Lasix

Generic name: Furosemide

Furosemide tablets

What are furosemide tablets?

FUROSEMIDE (Lasix®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Furosemide helps to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. It also reduces the swelling and water retention caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Generic furosemide tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetes

diarrhea

gout

hearing problems

heart disease, or previous heart attack

kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine

liver disease

low blood levels of calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium or magnesium

pancreatitis

premature birth (newborns)

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

an unusual or allergic reaction to furosemide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take furosemide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If furosemide upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking furosemide. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking furosemide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

blood in urine or stools

diarrhea

dry mouth

fever or chills, sore throat

hearing loss or ringing in the ears

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

lower back or side pain

mood changes

muscle pain or weakness, cramps

nausea, vomiting

severe stomach pain

skin rash

tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

dizziness or lightheadedness

headache

increased sensitivity to the sun

loss of appetite

stomach upset, pain, or cramps

What should I watch for while taking furosemide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking furosemide except on your prescriber's advice.

Watch your diet while you are taking furosemide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Furosemide can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice.

You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how furosemide affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks.

Furosemide can make your skin more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking furosemide.

Furosemide can increase the amount of sugar in blood or urine. If you are a diabetic keep a close check on blood and urine sugar.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.